CINCINNATI -- Airlines are preparing for potential delays and cancellations ahead of Hurricane Michael.
Michael is threatening more than 300 miles of the Gulf Coast, prompting emergency declarations in more than 100 counties from Mobile, Alabama through the Florida Panhandle and into the state's Big Bend region.
Here's the 5 a.m. update on Hurricane #Michael ... first showing the satellite loop followed by the latest path from the National Hurricane Center. Still projected to be a Cat 3 at landfall near Panama City, FL. @wcpo #cincywx pic.twitter.com/Sc9EEzXVeU
— Jennifer Ketchmark (@KetchmarkWCPO) October 9, 2018
Delta officials warned Tuesday and Wednesday flights in Florida and Alabama could be impacted. Delta’s hub in Atlanta could see cancellations, which would affect flights worldwide. At least one Florida airport has announced it will close Wednesday.
The Airport will CLOSE and cease all operations starting on Wednesday, October 10 at 12:01 a.m. due to the impacts of Hurricane Michael. The airport will remain closed until further updates are provided.
Please check DIRECTLY with your airline regarding all flight information. pic.twitter.com/qMJ7rVlqu5
— Destin-Ft Walton Beach Airport (@FlyVPS) October 8, 2018
Southwest Airlines, the second-largest carrier out of Atlanta, warned flights could be disrupted through Friday, and Panama City Airport officials urged passengers to check flight statuses frequently.
‼️ Due to severe weather conditions from #HurricaneMichael, upcoming flight schedules at ECP will be impacted. Please check with your airline for any flight-related questions and before heading to the airport. ‼️✈️ pic.twitter.com/6meMUVx3QV
— Panama City Airport (@IFlyBeaches) October 8, 2018
Passengers flying out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport can track flight statuses here.
Ohio Task Force One will drive south Tuesday to help people and animals displaced by the storm.
Ohio Task Force 1 is leaving this morning, heading to Florida to help when Hurricane Michael hits. We're live with their plans on GMTS @WCPO #9Traffic pic.twitter.com/ddmP1RBZrp
— Ally Kraemer (@AllyKraemer) October 9, 2018
The 16-member team will leave at 8 a.m. Tuesday from its warehouse in Kettering. The task force will help with water rescues, similar to what they did withHurricane Florence just a few weeks ago.